Four in five nightclubs will collapse within a month, industry body warns:

The UK nightclub scene is on the brink of devastation with 80% of venues unlikely to survive past the end of the month without government support, the industry has warned. A report released by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) have revealed the devastating impact of the pandemic on British nightclubs, which have been closed since March 2020. A survey of 100 clubs revealed that half of venues are in more than three months’ rent arrears, while roughly two-thirds had made 60% of their workforce redundant by the end of 2020. Just over 80% of clubs said they would not survive past February without further government support. The NTIA blamed the government for failing to provide adequate support, with 43% of the clubs surveyed saying they had received no financial support from the state. The trade body also complained of a lack of a clear timetable for reopening and proposed changes to planning laws that would allow landlords to convert clubs into housing. “We are on the cusp of losing a cultural institution, the government has ignored the sector and failed to recognise its economic and cultural value,” said NTIA chief executive Michael Kill. “The government needs to support nightclubs and late night venues with a robust financial package and which is tailored to support businesses that have been closed since March and a roadmap giving a clear indication of the timelines for re-opening against the backdrop of the vaccination rollout, to give hope to many who are overburdened with debt.” Some clubs, such as Fabric, Printworks and Columbo, which owns Jazz Cafe, Phonox and XOYO, last year received funding through the £1.57 billion cultural recovery fund. But other venues, including King’s Cross venue Egg, were excluded from the support. “The importance of nightlife is a pivotal part for all generations and the culture of the UK but the government is not giving enough to support our venues, brands and promoters,” said Egg owner Hans Hess. “So, Boris Johnson, come on do the right thing and show your commitment to help the nightlife industry.”